The crisp chill of fall is in the air and the leaves are beginning to change color. Now is the perfect time to grab a blanket and a basket and plan a picnic. The Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas offer beautiful combinations of fall foliage scenery and waterfront views. Plan a day excursion or just a quick trip with loved ones. Many locations offer the option of designated eating areas or even a comfy patch of grass. Pack your sandwiches and charcuterie trays and head out for an enjoyable afternoon!
If you are in the Gloucester area of the Middle Peninsula, Machicomoco State Park is a prime location for seeing some fabulous autumn colors in a serene setting. Machicomoco is the area’s newest state park and it pays tribute to the Native
White. Photo by Tom Chillemi
American tribes that once inhabited our area. The park contains two picnic shelters and a diverse environment of woodlands, grasslands, and open fields. There are plenty of clear spots to set up your spread and enjoy a close encounter with nature. The park is rich with different types of birds and other wildlife that you may be able to catch a glimpse of if you are lucky.
Machicomoco State park is located at 3601 Timberneck Farm Road in Hayes. Click here to learn more about the park. https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/machicomoco
Over in Deltaville, Holly Point Nature Park offers 36 acres of varied land. Visitors can wander along the various walking paths or enjoy the beauty of the Rivah at the waterfront pier. The park features a designated area for picnickers to unpack their baskets and settle in for a pleasurable afternoon meal. Holly Point also contains a walk-through sculpture garden and a children’s garden that encourages hands-on exploration by children and other
visitors. Also on the property is the Deltaville Maritime Museum that provides an additional diversion for visitors to enjoy.
Holly Point Nature Park is located at 287 Jackson Creek Road in Deltaville. Click here to learn more about the park.
https://www.virginia.org/listing/holly-point-nature-park/6792/
If you are passing through the town of Warsaw in Richmond County, Plan a detour over to the Enchanted Forest, a whimsical destination unlike any other in the Northern Neck or Middle Peninsula. The beautiful wooded walk is home to many magical friends the can be spotted hiding in the trees. These friends are in the form of detailed carvings in the trees around the property. Some of these artworks include Winnie the Pooh, Micky and Minnie Mouse, Members of the Peanuts gang, and many more all hand-carved and painted by Northern Neck resident Tom Rhodes.
A lovely creek runs through the forest and benches are placed for visitors to sit and take in the scenery. Get comfy on one of these benches or select a nice patch of soft grass and tune into nature while enjoying your tasty meal. There is a hint of magic in the air that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
The Enchanted Forest is located at 211 Wallace Street in Warsaw.
Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve in Northumberland County exemplifies the best of what the Northern Neck has to offer. The waterfront beach is beautiful and untouched while the surrounding marsh and grasslands are home to waterfowl and wildlife of all sorts. The preserve also features an expanse of woodland ideal for admiring the warm hues of fall leaves or peeping a wandering creature. Find a resting place on the beach, among the trees, or even on the planked boardwalk and enjoy the splendor of this public nature preserve.
Click here to learn more about Hughlett Point Natural Area
Preserve
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/hughlett
When visiting any of these locations, be sure to be mindful and courteous of the surrounding environments and wildlife. Always clean up after yourself and leave the area as you found it!
